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The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living
The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living
This podcast offers modern and practical solutions for suburban homesteading, focusing on gardening, cooking from scratch, and sustainable living. Host Brittany Gibson shares tips and home management systems to help listeners avoid burnout and find contentment in their homesteading journey. The show emphasizes intentional living and provides straightforward advice for beginners.
Episodes
Ep 212. Why I am Planting More Seeds... All Summer Long
One of the biggest gardening mistakes I made for years?
Thinking that once everything was planted in the spring... I was done.
This year, every time a spot opens up in my garden, I'm putting more seeds in the ground. More lettuce. More beans. More carrots. It's such a simple habit, but I think it's going to make a huge difference in how much fresh food we get to enjoy this season.
In this week's p
Ep 211. How I am Opening a Farmstand in the City (Every Decision I Had to Make)
Have you ever dreamed of opening a farm stand, even if you live in the city? In this episode, I'm sharing the real behind-the-scenes process of starting my front yard farm stand, Falls City Farmstead, in suburban Ohio. From choosing products and navigating Ohio cottage food laws to pricing handmade herbal products, managing liability concerns, and overcoming the fear of theft, I'm walking you thro
Ep 210. Why I Stopped Panicking About Garden Bugs
In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we're talking all about bugs in the organic garden. Learn which insects are beneficial, how trap crops work, when to leave pests alone, and when it's time to intervene with simple organic solutions. If your garden has holes in the leaves, aphids, cabbage worms, or chipmunks causing trouble, you're definitely not alone.
#organicgardening #vegetabl
Ep 209. Garden Update, What's Growing, What's Failing and Life Lately
In this June garden update, we're sharing what's growing in our Zone 6 garden, the challenges we're facing this season, and a few personal life updates along the way. From harvesting herbs and strawberries to dealing with pests, watering struggles, and the unexpected loss of a beloved family dog, this episode is an honest look at real-life homesteading and finding peace in the garden during diffic
Ep 208. The Most Underappreciated Herb in My Garden
Sage is one of the easiest herbs to grow, but it's also one of the most overlooked. In this episode, we explore practical ways to use garden sage, including culinary projects, herbal remedies, preserving methods, and why this hardy perennial deserves a place in every homestead garden.
Whether your sage plant is thriving or you've never known what to do with it, you'll leave with simple ideas to st
Ep 207. The Real Workflow of Summer Canning in a Suburban Homestead
Summer canning doesn't have to mean marathon weekends, Pinterest-perfect pantries, or preserving every tomato you grow. In this episode, we're talking about what summer canning actually looks like in a busy suburban home—from deciding what's worth canning and using a two-day workflow to freezing harvests, preserving in small batches, and fitting it all into real life with kids. If you've
Ep 206. The Hidden Consumerism in Homesteading
In this episode, we’re talking about the hidden consumerism that can sneak into the homesteading lifestyle and why it’s so easy to buy the fantasy version of homesteading instead of actually living it. We chat about homestead perfectionism, comparison culture, overbuying supplies, hobby collecting vs. hobby doing, and why buying food for your family is not failure if you’re actually using it. If y
Ep 205. You Don't Need a Commune to Build a Homesteading Community
In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re talking about how to build homesteading community in the city or suburbs without starting a commune or forcing yourself to be extroverted. From community gardens and native plant sales to Facebook Marketplace swaps, school gardens, and local farm stands, I’m sharing simple, low-pressure ways to connect with other gardeners, homest
Ep 204. The Homesteading Mindset Shift I Need Most
In this episode, we’re talking about a simple homesteading mindset shift that has been helping me slow down, spend less impulsively, and feel more connected to my home: create before you consume. I’m sharing how homesteading hobbies like gardening, baking, organizing, and herbalism helped me stop constantly chasing more, plus practical ways to avoid perfectionism and consumerism in the homesteadin
Ep 203. The Garden Plants that Keep Coming Back for Free
In this episode of the The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re talking about some of the best free plants for the garden — including self-seeding flowers and herbs, volunteer plants, and perennials you can divide again and again. From calendula and dill to chives, lemon balm, and surprise tomato plants popping up from the compost, these are the kinds of plants that help your garden bec
Ep 202. 5 Easy Ferments I'm Trying This Summer (That Don't Feel Overwhelming)
Learn alongside me as we talk about 5 easy ferments I’m trying this summer that actually feel realistic for busy moms and small-scale homesteaders. In this episode, we’re chatting about simple refrigerator pickles, sauerkraut, fermented salsa, kombucha, and easy veggie mixes—plus beginner fears, food safety, mold worries, and how to start fermenting without expensive equipment or crunchy perfectio
Ep 201. How to Grow Cut Flowers in Any Space with Josie Blessing of Olde Soul Acres
Today I am chatting all about growing cut flowers with Josie Blessing, author of The Homesteader’s Guide to Cut Flowers, and why flowers are so much more than just “extra” in the garden. We talk about how to grow flowers even in small spaces, the best low-maintenance varieties for busy seasons, and how they support everything from pollinators to herbal remedies. If you’ve ever felt overwhel
Ep 200. Is Homesteading Worth It? My Honest Experience After 200 Epsiodes
We’re celebrating 200 episodes of The Homestead Challenge podcast by reflecting on what homesteading has really brought into my life. In this episode, I’m answering a few candid questions about how I got started, how my definition of homesteading has changed, and why I still choose this lifestyle—even in busy seasons. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough, this is your reminder t
Ep 199. Start These Herbal Products Now Before Summer
In this episode, we’re talking about the simple herbal products we should start now before summer hits—because things like bug spray, salves, and infused sprays take time to steep. We walk through what we’re making right now (like herbal bug spray, dried mint for tea, and calendula salve) and how to think ahead so summer feels easier and more prepared.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
Ep 198. The Weird Garden Lull: How to Reset Your Systems Before Harvest Season
We’re talking about the spring-to-summer transition in the garden and that weird lull where everything is planted but harvest hasn’t fully begun. We walk through simple systems we’re resetting now—like herb drying stations, freezer clean-outs, harvest flow, and kitchen organization—to make summer easier and less overwhelming. If you want to stay ahead of the chaos and actually enjoy your ga
Ep 197. 3 Things to Do with Spring Herbs (Before You Get Overwhelmed)
We’re talking about what to do with the spring herbs you can harvest right now—whether you’re foraging things like dandelion and chickweed or clipping herbs from your garden like chives and mint. If you’ve ever picked herbs and then felt stuck, this episode walks you through three simple ways to use them, plus how to harvest without ruining the plant. It’s a practical, no-pressure way to st
Ep 196. Vertical Tower Gardens for Real Life Homesteaders
We’re talking all about vertical tower gardens (like GreenStalks)—why we love them, who they’re actually good for, and how they can fit into real life no matter your space. We’re sharing what we’re planting in ours this year, the honest differences between budget vs. higher-end options, and how you can even create a full herbal tea garden in one simple setup.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
Ep 195. Spring Foraging for Beginners from What's Already Growing in Your Backyard
We’re talking about spring foraging for beginners and the easiest way to start—right in your own backyard. In this episode, we cover how to identify and use common edible weeds and wild herbs like henbit, dead nettle, stinging nettle, dandelion, wild violets, chickweed, plantain, garlic mustard, and wild chives, plus when to harvest different parts for the best flavor and benefits. If you’v
Ep 194. The Truth About Organic Pest Control for Your Garden
We’re talking about organic pest control for your garden—what it really means, when to step in, and when to let things go. After dealing with an unexpected aphid issue on my seedlings, I’m sharing the products I actually use, how I think about health and exposure, and how to make these decisions without overthinking every little thing.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/companion-planting/
Ep 193. Don't Get Fooled at the Plant Nursery (and What to Watch For)
We’re talking about how to avoid common plant nursery mistakes—from “healthy” looking plants that struggle after transplanting to soil deals that aren’t actually deals. We’ll walk through what to look for so we can shop smarter, save money, and grow a more successful garden this season.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
Ep 192. I Tried to Make Spring Easier... Here's What Actually Happened
We thought prepping in March would make spring feel calm and manageable—but real life had other plans. In this episode, we’re talking about what’s actually helping right now, what we’re letting go of, and how we’re redefining “enough” during a busy, chaotic season.
15 Minute Routine: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/routine/
Ep 191. The Summer Cooking System that Keeps Us Eating Real Food
In this episode, we’re sharing the simple summer cooking system that helps us keep feeding our families real food without spending all evening in the kitchen. We’re talking about using the crockpot, making a few basics ahead of time, and creating an easy rhythm that works with our busy summer days.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
Ep 190. Dry Goods to Prep Now for an Easier Garden Season
In this episode, we’re talking about simple dry goods and convenience mixes we can prep now to make busy garden season so much easier. We walk through easy ideas like brownie mix, cornbread mix, and seasoning blends that help us cook from scratch without the extra time and mess. This is all about reducing mental load and setting ourselves up for a more peaceful, doable summer.
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Ep 189. How to Decide What Foods are Worth Growing vs. Buying
We’re heading into spring and taking a realistic look at what foods are actually worth growing versus just buying, using our own pantry habits as the guide. In this episode, we walk through simple filters to help us decide what makes sense for our space, budget, and goals—so we can grow with intention and skip the overwhelm.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/pantry/
Ep 188. Let Your Pantry Tell You What to Grow this Year
In this episode of The Homestead Challenge, we kick off the Make It March series by looking at our pantries to help decide what we should grow in our gardens this year. Instead of planting randomly, we talk about how noticing what we actually eat, run out of, and keep buying can guide smarter garden planning and help us waste less food. This simple pantry inventory helps us connect our gro
Ep 187. The Only Cleaning Ingredients You Really Need at Home
In this episode, we’re talking about the simple natural cleaning ingredients to keep on hand so you can clean almost anything without buying a cabinet full of products. I’ll walk you through what vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, castile soap, peroxide, and alcohol actually do — plus which ones truly disinfect and when it’s really necessary. If you want a practical, low-pressure approach to non-
Ep 186. Hidden Toxic Items in Your Home (That You Can Remove Today for FREE!)
In this episode, we’re talking about free ways to reduce toxins in our homes without buying new cleaning products or supplies. We’ll walk through simple changes like removing plug-in air fresheners, skipping dryer sheets, cleaning our cleaning tools, and tackling hidden dust zones that hold onto pollutants. If you want a healthier home this spring without spending money, these small changes can ma
Ep 185. Where to Start with Non-Toxic Cleaning (Without Throwing Everything Away)
In this episode, we’re diving into non-toxic spring cleaning and how to switch to natural cleaning products without throwing everything away. We’ll walk through a simple, low-pressure plan for replacing conventional cleaners — starting with laundry detergent, dish soap, and everyday household products — plus what I actually use in my own home. If you’ve been wanting a healthier home without the ov
Ep 184. Apothecary February Herbal Q&A
In today’s episode, we’re wrapping up Apothecary February with a relaxed herbal Q&A. I’m answering your questions about overwintering herbs, how I store dried medicinal herbs, and how long they really last.
We also talk about the five herbs I’d grow if I could only choose a few, natural herbs for seasonal allergies like nettle and mullein, and why homemade herbal skincare is one of the biggest
Ep 183. Tea Talk: Herbs I Love and Brewing Wisdom
In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re having a cozy tea talk all about herbal tea for beginners. I’m sharing the herbs I actually use most often (like chamomile, lemon balm, nettle, hibiscus, and marshmallow root), how I brew herbal infusions and decoctions at home, and simple tips for blending loose leaf tea.
We’ll also talk about rosemary tea benefits, how to make herbal tea
Ep 182. The Backyard First Aid Garden: Herbs to Grow for Real Life Emergencies
In this episode, we’re talking about building a simple backyard first aid kit using herbs you can grow or forage. From calendula salve for scrapes and dry skin to plantain for bee stings, yarrow for minor bleeding support, lavender for soothing burns, and even cayenne for emergency clotting response — these are practical, real-life herbs for everyday situations. If you’re planning your garden, thi
Ep 181. Herbs for Gut Health
In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we’re talking all about gut health — from mouth to intestines and everything in between. Brittany shares how the digestive system connects to the nervous system and immune system, and why so many modern health struggles may begin in the gut.
You’ll learn practical herbs for common digestive issues, including chamomile, peppermint, and ginger for
Ep 180. Adaptogens vs. Nervines: What they are, how they're different, and when to use each
Adaptogens vs. Nervines: What’s the Difference?
Our nervous systems are overloaded — and not all stress-support herbs work the same way.
In this episode, we break down the difference between adaptogens, nervines, and mood-supporting herbs, including calming vs. stimulating adaptogens and relaxant vs. tonic nervines. We also touch on herbs like St. John’s Wort, mimosa, and lemon balm for seasonal b
Ep 179. Herbal Preparations 101: Tea, Infusions, Tinctures, Oils & Salves
Episode Show Notes: Herbal Preparations 101
Teas, Infusions, Tinctures, Oils & Salves (Apothecary February)
In this episode of Apothecary February, we’re breaking down the most common herbal preparations I actually use at home—without overcomplicating things or pretending you need to become an herbalist overnight.
We talk through teas and infusions, decoctions, tinctures, oil infusions, and sa
Ep 178. Growing Herbs for Your Home Apothecary (Even in Small Spaces)
In this episode of Apothecary February, we’re talking through the best herbs to grow for a home apothecary—and where to plant them so they don’t take over your garden. We cover essential garden basics like annual vs. perennial herbs, direct sow vs. starting seeds indoors, and growing herbs in containers versus in the ground. You’ll learn which herbs are beginner-friendly, which ones self-seed or s
Ep 177. Apothecary February: Home Herbalism without the Overwhelm
In this first episode of Apothecary February, we’re setting realistic expectations for using herbs at home and building a strong, safe foundation for beginner and intermediate herbalists alike. This episode focuses on practical herbal education—without pressure to become an expert or “natural doctor” overnight.
In this episode, we cover:
What Apothecary February is (and what it’s not)
Why herb
Ep 176. When Winter Drags On… Homestead Projects That Bring Spring Energy Back
Winter can feel long and heavy, and sometimes leaning into “slow and cozy” just isn’t enough. In this episode, we’re talking about simple homesteading projects that bring spring energy into the dead of winter—like organizing seeds, fermenting, making jam from your freezer stash, growing microgreens and herbs indoors, and tackling garden-adjacent projects. These small, hopeful actions help beat the
Ep 175. What I am Planting in the Garden in 2026
In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I'm planting in the garden in 2026 on my 1/4 acre homestead in the city and why these choices make sense for our real life, space, and season. We talk through what’s staying, what we’re letting go of, and how we’re planning a garden that feels nourishing instead of overwhelming. If you’re craving a more intentional, low-pressure garden plan this ye
Ep 174. Why Failure Days are Actually Homesteading Wins
We’re talking about the fail days — and even fail seasons — that come with this lifestyle and why they don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. From flat sourdough and bitter canned fruit to recipes that just don’t work, we’re sharing why trial and error is actually the point and how learning what fits your family, your taste, and your schedule is where real progress happens. If you’ve been feeling
Ep 173. Homestead Goal Planning without an Entire Life Overhaul
In this episode, we talk through a slower, more nourishing approach to homestead goal planning. Instead of big overhauls that lead to burnout, we focus on 12-week goals, micro habits, and habit stacking to turn good intentions into systems that actually fit real life. We also walk through a real-life example of how we’re using our word of the year, Nourish, to plan goals that support our families
Ep 172. My Word of the Year is "Nourish" (and What that Actually Means for my Homestead)
In this episode, we’re sharing our word of the year—nourish—and what that actually looks like in real life. Instead of chasing big goals or a “new me,” we’re focusing on supporting our body, home, routines, creativity, and mental load in a slower, more sustainable way. This episode is a gentle reminder that consistency often comes from care, not pressure.
https://thehomesteadchal
Ep 171. 8 Things to Do Before You Set Homestead Goals for 2026
Before you start setting garden or homestead goals for the new year, there’s something important to do first: prepare instead of rushing.
In this episode, we talk about the simple things you can do right now to set yourself up for success—without pressure or overwhelm. We cover reflecting on last year, clearing physical and mental clutter, taking inventory of what you already have, deciding your r
Ep 170. What 2026 Will Bring for The Homestead Challenge
I’m sharing a quiet end-of-year check-in, reflecting on what worked (and what didn’t) in the past year, and talking through what I’m dreaming up for the year ahead. From reimagining community and challenges to launching a tiny local farm stand, this episode is all about planning gently—without pressure or overwhelm.
Resources & Links Mentioned:
Join the Homestead Challenge Private Facebook G
Ep 169. What's Actually Worth Planning for the Garden in December (and what can wait)
Seeing people seed starting in December can make it feel like you’re already behind — especially if you live in a colder growing zone. In this episode, we’re talking about what’s actually worth planning for the garden this time of year, what can wait, and how to figure out your real planting timeline based on where you live (not what the internet is doing).
If you’re a new or intermediate gardener
Ep 168. A Friday Reset to Get Your Home + Homestead Ready for a Busy Weekend
In this episode, we’re walking through a simple Friday Reset designed specifically for busy December weekends. With holiday activities filling up our schedules, we’re focusing on quick, doable steps that help us lower stress, clear a little space in our homes, and set ourselves up to actually enjoy the magic instead of rushing through it.
We talk about choosing our non-negotiables, doing a fast ho
Ep 167. DIY Homemade Gifts That People Actually Want
Homemade gifts can be thoughtful and practical — if people actually know how to use them. In this episode, we’re sharing our favorite high-compliance DIY gifts for non-crunchy friends and family, so your handmade presents don’t end up forgotten in the back of a cabinet.
We talk about why most homemade gifts fail (lack of familiarity, unclear instructions, or feeling too “crunchy”) and how to fix t
Ep 166. If I Were Starting My Homestead Over Today, Here's Exactly What I Would Do
Five years into my homesteading journey, I’m looking back at what actually worked, what caused burnout, and what I truly wish I had known as a beginner. In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact roadmap I would follow if I were starting completely over today — with less pressure, fewer gadgets, and a whole lot more joy.
This is a gentle, realistic look at modern homesteading for real life
Ep 165. What I Learned this Year as a City Homesteader
It’s officially December, and we’re starting our year-end reflection a little early around here. In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, we talk honestly about what actually worked on our city homestead this year—and what completely flopped. From simplifying garden projects and freezing tomatoes to sourdough struggles, slow home projects, and a few disappointing garden losses, this is
Ep 164. 3 Homestead Things I’m Not Doing This Winter… and 2 That I Definitely Am
Winter is supposed to be the season where everything finally slows down… but for many of us, it quickly becomes another round of pressure to plan next year’s garden, stock the pantry, bake everything from scratch, and add even more to our already full plates. In this episode, I’m sharing the three homesteading tasks I’m not doing this winter so I can actually rest—and the two cozy, meaningful proj
Ep 163. 8 Pantry Staples that Double as Herbal Wellness
If you’ve ever felt like herbalism requires a huge apothecary or a ton of expensive ingredients, this episode is going to feel like a breath of fresh air. Today, we’re talking about the everyday pantry staples you probably already have on hand that double as powerful herbal wellness tools — perfect for cold and flu season and practical homesteading on a budget.
In this episode, I’m walking through
Ep 162. Rethinking Rest this Holiday Season
In today’s episode, we’re talking about rethinking rest during the holiday season and why traditional “relaxation” doesn’t always make us feel restored. If you’re overwhelmed by holiday expectations, juggling motherhood, managing a busy home, or trying to keep up with homesteading tasks while feeling exhausted, this conversation is for you.
After weeks of dealing with a lingering sinus infection,
Ep 161. 6 Easy Things to Forage in November
In this episode, we’re talking about what you can still forage in November—even if there’s snow on the ground. I share six easy-to-identify wild foods and herbs like pine needles, rose hips, late-season mushrooms, acorns, crab apples, and black walnuts that can stretch your grocery or medicine budget. Plus, I chat about my failed attempt at extreme couponing and why foraging feels like a mu
Ep 160. 5 Ways to Make Taking Herbs Easier When You're Sick
In this episode, we’re talking about herbal compliance — the simple truth that herbs only work if you actually take them. After being sick all week and realizing she barely used her herbs, Brittany shares five super practical ways to make herbal remedies easier and more convenient to use when you’re not feeling your best. From pre-filling tincture shots to creating a “sick day” herbal basket, this
Ep 159. Pantry Restock The Smart Way: How to Refill without Overwhelm or Overspending
In this episode, we’re talking about how to restock your pantry intentionally after the Pantry Challenge so you can avoid waste, overspending, and overwhelm. Brittany shares practical tips for creating a core pantry list that actually fits your family’s needs, restocking slowly on a budget, and organizing for function over perfection. It’s all about building a pantry that supports real life
Ep 158. Free Up $500 Before Christmas by Shopping Your Pantry
In this episode, we’re challenging ourselves to free up $500 before Christmas by shopping our pantries instead of the grocery store. We talk about how to take inventory, build meal plans using what we already have, and make it fun with a visual savings tracker. It’s all about using our resources wisely, wasting less, and creating a little extra breathing room before the holidays.
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Ep 157. A Day in the Life of a Modern Homesteader: My Real-Life Routine Hour by Hour
Ever wonder how other homesteaders fit it all in? This week, I’m taking you behind the scenes with an honest, hour-by-hour walkthrough of my real daily schedule — chaos, coffee, and all.
In this episode, I’m sharing:
🌿 What my realistic “homestead day” looks like as a stay-at-home mom and city homesteader
🌿 How I use time-blocking (not rigid minute-by-minute planning) to stay grounded
🌿 My honest
Ep 156. Fall Energy: When Doing Less Homesteading Actually Gets You Further
In this episode, we talk about what fall really means for us as homesteaders and why it’s okay if we’re not caught up on every project or learning a new skill right now. We compare fall to the luteal phase of a cycle—a time for reflection, slowing down, and preparing for the restful winter ahead. We also explore how winter mirrors the menstrual phase, reminding us that rest doesn’t mean doi
Ep 155. 2025 Homesteading Deals I Would Actually Buy
If you’re feeling tempted by all the Prime Day and early Black Friday sales but aren’t sure what’s actually worth it for your homestead — this one’s for you. I’m taking a quick break from my homestead organization series to share what I’ve been seeing lately in the world of deals and steals, what’s worth adding to your cart, and what can probably wait until next year.
In this episode, I’m talking
Ep 154. How to Plan (and sometimes delay) Your Homesteading Projects
This week, I’m answering a listener question that so many of us can relate to: How do you plan your homesteading projects? Do you have a calendar?
If you’ve ever bought all the supplies for a new skill—like kombucha brewing or sourdough baking—and then never actually started, this episode is for you. I’m sharing why it’s completely normal to go through different seasons in our homesteading journey
Ep 153. Headaches, Tylenol, and My Herbal Protocol
🌿 Mentioned in this episode:
Common root causes of headaches and how to spot them
How to think through OTC pain relievers vs. anti-inflammatories
Our go-to herbal tea blend for headaches
Tincture ideas you can adapt to your own needs
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/the-best-herbal-tea-blend-for-headaches/
Ep 152. What to Do With Raised Bed Dirt After the Season Ends
Fall is officially here, and many of us are looking at our raised beds wondering what comes next. Do we clear them out completely, or let nature do some of the work for us? In this episode, we dive into what really happens to the soil in our raised beds over winter and how we can prevent losing precious inches of dirt like my friend did when her soil dropped five full inches in just a couple of ye
Ep 151. Fall Home Decor That's Good Enough to Eat
If you’re anything like us, you probably love cozying up your home for fall—but maybe this year the budget feels a little tighter. Instead of going all out on store-bought décor, we’ve been leaning into using what we already have on hand, what’s growing in our garden, and even what we can forage. It’s a way to keep things festive without overspending, and the best part? Much of our décor can later
Ep 150. How to Find Wins When Progress Feels Slow
If you’ve ever started a project with big hopes of a quick finish—only to find yourself staring at it weeks later, still not done—you are not alone. In today’s episode, I’m sharing both encouragement and practical steps for what to do when projects drag on longer than you thought they would.
We’ll talk about why this happens (hello, unrealistic expectations 🙋♀️), how to reframe your progress so y
Ep 149. 7 Simple Homestead Comforts for When the World Feels Heavy
When the world feels heavy—whether it’s the news cycle, social media, or just the weight of everyday life—it’s okay to retreat to the comforts of home. In this short and gentle episode of The Homestead Challenge, I’m sharing 10 simple homesteading rhythms that bring peace without adding to your mental load.
From lighting a simmer pot to harvesting something small, these are easy, no-pressure ways
Ep 148. Lessons from My Summer Homesteading Mistakes
Even after years of practice, every homesteading season comes with a fresh batch of mistakes—and this summer was no exception. From herbs that went to seed before I could harvest them, to pantry planning flops (hello, way too much Costco flour), I’m sharing the real-life lessons I learned in my garden, kitchen, and rhythms.
In this episode, we talk about:
🌱 The garden mistakes I kept repeating (li
Ep 147. All About Apples (Foraging, Picking, and Preserving)
September means apple season, and we’re diving into all the ways to enjoy it. In this episode, we explore foraging for crabapples (and how to tell them apart from hawthorn), heading to the orchard for a family apple-picking trip, and the many ways we can preserve the harvest for the months ahead. From applesauce and apple butter to homemade apple cider vinegar and jelly, we’re talking about how to
Ep 146. From Harvest to Holidays: What to Can Now for Stress-Free Hositng
The holidays might feel far away, but this is actually the perfect moment to think ahead. Right now, in the thick of harvest season, you might be tired of tomatoes or over the endless jars of jelly. But what if you could turn that abundance into a few fun preserves that will make holiday hosting (and party season) so much easier later?
In this episode, I’m sharing simple, creative ideas you can ma
Ep 145. Simple Back to School Shifts for Homesteading
Back-to-school brings a natural rhythm shift, and on the homestead, that means it’s time to simplify. In this episode, we share the practical ways we’re keeping things easy during this transition—like freezing instead of canning, packing simple lunches, and leaning on streamlined morning routines. We’re also talking about cozying our home for the season, preparing for the inevitable back-to-school
Ep 144. What I am Foraging this Autumn (Month by Month)
This autumn, I’m trading my usual garden harvests for baskets, jars, and a keen eye on what nature has to offer. Inspired by the book Feed Us with Trees by Elspeth Hay, I’ve been thinking differently about the way humans have long partnered with the land — and it’s made me excited to try some new foraging projects this year.
In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, I’m sharing exactly w
Ep 143. Every Bit Counts- Preserving the Harvest Little by Little in August
In this episode, we're talking about the Every Bit Counts approach to preserving your harvest—without the overwhelm. Whether you're in the thick of garden season or just winding down, there’s so much value in preserving just a small amount every day. Brittany shares what she's preserving in her own kitchen, ideas for saving food scraps and garden extras, and how it all adds up to real savings in t
Ep 142. Harvesting Medicinal Herbs the Right Way: Roots, Leaves, and Flowers
It's finally harvest season here in Northeast Ohio, and this week, we're diving into how to properly harvest common medicinal herbs—before they lose their potency. If you've ever let your echinacea go too long (guilty!), or stared at your feverfew unsure what part to pick, this episode is for you. Learn which parts of each plant to harvest (roots, flowers, or leaves), when to do it, and how to dry
Ep 141. July in the Garden: What I'm Harvesting, Planting for Fall, and Letting Go
In this chatty, real-life garden update, I’m sharing what’s actually happening in my July garden—what’s coming out, what I’m planting for the fall, and what I’m choosing to give up (with zero guilt). From bolting basil and pest-eaten squash to rethinking my cut flowers and leaning into crops that actually work for my busy season, this is your honest peek behind the garden gate. If your garden feel
Ep 140. How I am Managing Common Garden Pests and Fungus Organically
We’re deep in garden season here in Northeast Ohio, and while things are starting to grow, so are the problems—mainly pests! In this chatty episode, we share what’s been stealing our squash and cucumber flowers (spoiler: we suspect birds and raccoons), plus the low-pressure, organic-friendly methods we’re using to deal with it all. From fencing and fake snakes to garden-safe sprays and a bit of "l
Ep 139. 7 Things I Always Have in My Prepper Pantry (That I Actually Use)
Feeling overwhelmed by all the prepping videos telling you to stock a bunker full of buckets? Yeah… me too. In this episode, I’m sharing the real-life pantry staples I actually keep on hand—and actually use—to help fight inflation, feed my family, and stay prepared without the stress. From rice and beans to olive oil and condiments, we’re keeping it simple, budget-friendly, and totally doable. You
Ep 138. Red, White & Bloom: Garden-Inspired Ideas for Your July 4th Party
Planning a backyard barbecue or garden party this summer? In this episode, I’m sharing easy, no-fuss ways to elevate your July 4th (or any summer) gathering using herbs, flowers, and simple ingredients from your garden—even if your harvest isn’t quite rolling in yet.
Whether you're hosting, heading to a potluck, or just want to add a little beauty to your table, these ideas will help you use what
Ep 137. 5 Things I am Loving on the Homestead this Summer
In this laid-back summer episode, I’m sharing a few things that have been making life sweeter lately—from a nostalgic radio habit to a bread machine I never thought I’d love. I talk about letting go of homesteading perfectionism, the iced tea blend I’m drinking on repeat, and why I’m finally embracing my crockpot in the summer. If you're looking for low-pressure inspiration, practical swaps, and a
Ep 136. Summer Herbal Uses for Rosemary
Is rosemary just a fall and winter herb? Not anymore. In this episode, we’re exploring all the surprising ways to use rosemary right now—while it’s thriving in the heat and taking over the garden beds.
We talk about:
Why rosemary thrives in summer (and how to grow it better)
What makes rosemary so powerful as an herbal remedy (hello, memory + mood boost)
Everyday ways to use rosemary in the
Ep 135. Calm the Heart: Herbs for Stress and Ditching the Pressure
This summer hasn’t felt quite as peaceful as I hoped—and maybe you’re feeling the same. In this episode, I’m opening up about the stress I’ve been feeling lately, even while trying to do all the things to slow down. If you’ve ever felt like natural living was starting to feel more stressful than supportive, this conversation is for you.
We’ll walk through what I call my “ladder of intervention”—a
Ep 134. The Power of Patience in the Garden (and Beyond)
Whether you're staring at empty patches in your garden or waiting for your ferments to finish bubbling, this lifestyle is full of waiting. And in a culture that celebrates overnight success and 30-second videos, that can feel extra hard.
But what if the waiting is actually part of the growth?
In this episode, I'm sharing:
Why waiting is one of the hardest parts of homesteading
How impatience h
Ep 133. This is the Year You Will Start Canning (or stick with it!)
Ready to finally start canning—or actually stick with it this time? This is the year we let go of perfection and start preserving food in a way that’s doable, satisfying, and not totally overwhelming. In this episode, I’m sharing why I started canning, the real reasons you might want to give it a go, and the simplest ways to begin—whether you’re working with homegrown tomatoes or a bucket of u-pic
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